In the modern NBA, almost every team’s decision-making is informed by the draft. 

Think about it. Even a contending team makes decisions around the league’s annual influx of talent. If you’re in a position to win a championship, you’re probably willing to trade first-round picks to make it happen. 

On the other hand, what if you’re not in a position to win a championship – and you don’t have total ownership of your upcoming first-rounder? That puts a team in a difficult bind.

Should they aim to improve or risk conceding a lottery pick? 

That’s exactly the predicament the Chicago Bulls are in. They own their upcoming draft selection to the Orlando Magic with top 4 protection. They could bottom out and hope for some lottery luck. 

Here’s a deal with them taking the opposite approach by landing Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks.